Page 9 of Roam

He had hoped when he attended the tattoo convention that he’d find someone to work at the shop, but he’d guessed they’d need a couple weeks to a month to relocate. They’d gone from zero to ninety in a day. It might be fast, but Roam knew deep in his heart that it was the right thing to do.

Sprite would be an asset to the shop. He needed to do what was best, which might mean putting his own wants and needs on hold for a little while. He needed a definite separation of her job and anything that happened with them. He also wanted to make sure her children adapted well. Sometimes kids were shy around new people, and he didn’t want them overwhelmed.

He picked up the last order, hoping he hadn’t bought too much. Surely with all the people it wouldn’t go to waste. He had asked what kind of pizza they liked but forgot to ask what type of Chinese. He’d not only bought some of everything on the menu but had bought extras of a lot because he wanted the kids to feel comfortable and have what they wanted. Plus, they’d need food for supper and snacks.

He pulled up to Sprite’s address and turned into the driveway. Both vehicles with trailers were parked on the street with the one directly in front of the house, having the ramp down. He saw Cannon coming out of the trailer as he stopped and motioned him over. He opened the doors and Cannon grabbed some of the packing items while Roam grabbed the cooler.

He stepped into the house and the sound hit him. Phoebe was chattering at another girl who looked to be her age. Sprite had the smaller girl held in her arms and was listening to what Phoebe was saying.

“I have lunch. Who’s hungry?”

Sprite smiled and led him to the kitchen.

“The food’s warm in here. The paper plates and silverware are still in my truck. Let me...”

“I’ll get them,” Winnie yelled.

Sprite pulled a high chair close to the kitchen table and strapped her daughter in.

“Roam, I’d like you to meet Oakley, who is three. Oakley, can you say hi?”

Oakley tried to hide behind Sprite beside her chair but waved a hand.

“That’s okay. One of my little ones can be kind of shy. I brought pizza and Chinese. What sounds good?”

“I like cheese pizza, and do you have goons?” the cute, dark-haired girl sitting by Phoebe asked.

“Goons?” Roam questioned.

“Roam, this is Blake. She wants to know if you bought crab Rangoon. It’s her favorite.”

Roam reached into the cooler and pulled out a large bag and a container. “I did get goons. They are my favorites too, so I bought a huge amount.”

He placed the bag and containers down by the girls, then walked to wash his hands. Everyone crowded in the kitchen, but most of the adults stood to make sure the kids had room and that their plates were full before filling theirs. Sprite and Winnie sat down to help the kids.

“I want Cannon by me. We can have a tea party with my new friend, Blake.”

Roam bit his lip, hiding his smile but watched his brother sit down beside Phoebe. “Queen Phoebe, thank you for inviting me to your tea. Could I interest you and your friend in some noodles or pizza for tea today?”

Cannon’s fake British accent had the adults laughing right along with the kids.

“Phoebe, I didn’t know Cannon could smile,” Ellie joked.

“Cannon comes by and holds Joey while we have tea parties.”

The silence before giggles burst out had Roam watching Sprite’s reaction to his family. She was smiling and had a couple pieces of sweet and sour chicken cut up on Oakley’s tray, along with some noodles. Roam got a plate and silverware and put it in front of Sprite.

“What would you like to drink?”

Sprite stared at him for a couple seconds. “I’d like some iced tea. It’s in the refrigerator.”

Roam grabbed a disposable glass and added some ice. Then he opened her refrigerator for the tea and paused. He definitely wouldn’t need the whole cooler for the items in her refrigerator. There was milk, eggs and some cut-up fruit in a container but otherwise, it was empty. He guessed Sprite had been rationing her money since she was let go. He would make sure neither she nor her kids were going without.

“Mama Sprite, Phoebe said they have animals. Cats and dogs, like lots of them. Can we get one?”

Sprite looked at Blake and smiled. “How about you let us get moved in and check out the house? Then we’ll discuss any new additions.”

Blake tilted her head, then nodded.

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